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Philadelphia lawmaker charged in money laundering scheme goes on leave from the House this week

Posted on September 19, 2016 at 5:22 PM

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Rep. Leslie Acosta, D-Philadelphia, is on leave from the state House this week after it came to light on Friday that she pleaded guilty to aiding in a money-laundering scheme at a Philadelphia mental health clinic.
(http://www.pahouse.com/Acosta/)

Philadelphia Democratic Rep. Leslie Acosta was absent from Monday's session of the state House of Representative after it came to light on Friday that federal prosecutors have filed a criminal charge against her.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported on Friday that Acosta, a freshman representative who is unopposed in her re-election bid, pleaded guilty in March to aiding in an embezzlement scheme that allegedly involving her former boss at a Philadelphia mental health clinic, where she worked before taking public office.

Top House Democrats said they knew nothing of Rep. Leslie Acosta's case, before reading that report about it three days ago.

Acosta has asked to be placed on leave for all three days that the House is scheduled to be in session this week, said House Democratic spokesman Bill Patton. No reason was given, he said.

House Minority Leader Frank Dermody, R-Allegheny, told the Associated Press on Monday he had yet to speak with Acosta about the charges. But, he said, even if Acosta has pleaded guilty, she could still serve as a regular voting member of the House until her sentencing.

"This is really unfortunate," Dermody said. "Leslie has been a great member."

According to AP's count, Acosta's case brings to four the number of sitting state lawmakers -- all Democrats -- who are facing criminal charges. At least 10 current or former Pennsylvania state lawmakers have been charged since the beginning of 2014.